For Burning Man 2007, the idiots that brought you Mantis and MiniMan are hot on the prehensile tail of a new articulated land puppet. We'll discuss it here and the project website with pictures is yonder:

Maybe the tutu should be built from one of those old aluminum umbrellas, lined with lead and tons of chiffon and netting... because, without the cozy embrace of the atmosphere... the planet to hide behind at night... in full unobstructed view of solar radiation... you will be mercilessly cooked like a Mr. Hamster exploring the inside of a running microwave, in a cramped Soyuz capsule, tumbling out of control... in SPACE!!!

I've been reading your notes, Jelly, and I must say I'm very excited to see it in action. My only suggestion would be that if you built it in a laid-down configuration, first, it destroys the whole "taking off" thing, and two, it increases the likelihood that someone will attempt to climb it, thus endangering your solar panels.

“We cross our bridges when we come to them and burn them behind us, with nothing to show for our progress except a memory of the smell of smoke, and a presumption that once our eyes watered.”

Damn! Thanks you guys! I sometimes get so wrapped up in a project that I forget about the "frat boy factor". Good thing U-Me's robotic head will be sealed in his space helmet. Any ideas on keeping people from climbing it? Broken glass? Live skunks? How about some kind of plexi cover over the solar panels?

We're applying for a grant and if we get it, this will be solar powered and installed out on the playa. If not, it will be there at our Labwerks theme camp and charged by the genny. We'll be as "green" as the budget allows.

We're pretty sure this will be the "fallen over/crash landed" version. The experience of the guest pilot will have vibrations and simulations that we hope will be disorienting enough to help them forget they are toppled over.

The animatronic chimp is sooooo creepy! We're working on the computer interface and I'm learning a programming language thanks to Munz, our newest contributer to the project. It's like playing in a band with better musicians- I love how it makes me stretch!

most definately kept close to home base would be most effective!
Good Morning from M.A.S.H. infirmary, Doc looked in on me at 13:00 and said Im due to be released at 23:00!!!
See you at the satalite construction mission!

My deep and sincere thanks to the U-Me team members Kernul Killbuck, Chris Munz, The Pawn, and Zulegoona, as well as to those that helped us install, remove, and maintain the piece at Burning Man. Those that come to my playa-baked memory and are just as important as those who don't (yet) including: Planeto Steve (Robotland), Dragonfly Jafe, Z-Spy, Cap'n Smashy, Major Mallet, "Baddog and Mark" (the hinge team), and Marshall.

If I left your name out above it's because I am a selfish prick who is more interested in scarfing down sushi right now... just kidding. I feel wiped and dizzy, as you may too, so please PM me so I can put you in the U-Me hall of fame.

As for you, dear Burner, who participated and enjoyed it, I want to eat your heart with some wasabi and ginger. You spilled out of it laughing, and gave us your insight and praise so we could feel like rock stars just for a bit. You brought back friends new and old to share it, and together we swung like space monkeys on a secret new jungle gym. I'm humbled by your shrieking song of love... IN SPACE!